Shakhtar manager expects, accepts Alex Teixeira's potential move
Shakhtar Donetsk manager Mircea Lucescu admitted the club would have a difficult time keeping star attacker Alex Teixeira in Ukraine, as Premier League outfit Chelsea has reportedly begun sniffing around.
But while Lucescu says a potential move of Teixeira is certainly a possibility, the Shakhtar tactician was also adamant that talk of a January move is premature for both his side, and for the Brazilian footballer.
"Teixeira and I are talked a lot in the press now," Lucescu told reporters Friday. "They are spreading rumours about us allegedly leaving Shakhtar. At the moment, Alex is Shakhtar's player. We'll see in the summer, now there’s no point talking about it.
"This year, he needs to play so that he grows even more, despite the fact that Alex’s level is very high even today. In this case he will be even more in demand."
Related: Alex Teixeira wants to work with Jose Mourinho at Chelsea
While Teixeira is a highly-touted player, Lucescu says that interest in his signature hasn't manifested itself in a tangible way just yet.
"At the moment there are no official proposals," Lucescu said. "So it makes no sense to talk about it. This is what the press is spreading, mainly English one. If there is an offer that will satisfy both the player and the club, I will fully support his move."
Should a suitable offer come his way, Lucescu says the club will do its due diligence and make a decision, but he made sure to note there will be no hard feelings at Donetsk if Teixeira does eventually leave.
"I want to see my players perform in the best, top teams in Europe," Lucescu said. "This means that both my assistants and I have not been working in vain for so many years! We signed players, who were 17-19, and brought them to the level of the top clubs. I wonder how many coaches in Europe are working based on such a scheme?
"This is, of course, very difficult. We need to develop and bring these players to a high level and at the same time we have to achieve results. Plus, we should develop their style of play that the fans will like. It is not so easy as it seems."